Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Go Rhino has expanded its North American operations with a new 50,000-sq.-ft. distribution facility in Laredo, Texas. |
Go Rhino Expands Warehouse Operations and Manufacturing
Go Rhino has announced the expansion of its North American operations with a new distribution facility in Laredo, Texas. The center will provide customers a strategically located hub for expanded logistics operations that will optimize product fulfillment and address their changing needs. The new 50,000-sq.-ft. warehousing and distribution center opened in February 2017. It supports the IDDEA, Go Rhino and Big Country strategic focus on developing distribution capabilities that assist partners in meeting the needs of their end-user customers, including faster delivery times, inventory visibility, product availability and streamlined order management.
Meyer Distributing Opens Salina, Kansas, Location
Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Salina, Kansas location. The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories and RV parts in the country.
 In 2016, ARIES Automotive assembled a team of elite builders from across the nation called the TEAM ARIES Pro Builder Program. |
ARIES Launches ProBuilder Program
In 2016, ARIES Automotive assembled a team of elite builders from across the nation called the TEAM ARIES Pro Builder Program, which is categorized by two levels of involvement. Pro Builders are the elite builders in the United States and Canada with brick-and-mortar businesses clients can visit to have their rides built to show-level quality. The Ambassador program is made up of individuals and businesses who showcase the work of ARIES builders and support them and their efforts to promote their work. TEAM Aries builders include: Pro Motorsports, Scottsdale, Arizona; North Shore Off-Road Centre, Surrey, B.C., Canada; Buck’s 4x4, Boise, Idaho; Alpha Jeep, Peoria, Illinois; KAO Auto Stylings, Las Vegas; Tommy Pike Customs, Greenville, South Carolina; Complete Customs, McKinny, Texas; Starwood Customs, Addison, Texas; and Slick Up Center, Altoona, Wisconsin.
Gaerte Engines Now Owned by TOPP Performance Race Parts
TOPP Performance Race Parts has announced the acquisition of Gaerte Engines. TOPP Performance Race Parts, under the leadership of President and CEO Kevin Birchmeier, is now the sole owner of Gaerte Engines, which was previously owned by Joe and Brenda Gaerte. The change of ownership effective date was March 8, 2017. The Gaerte name will continue to be a part of the TOPP Performance Race Parts business, having Gaerte Engines sold as an exclusive line by TOPP Performance Race Parts.
Missouri Great Dane Joins VIPAR Heavy Duty
Missouri Great Dane is the newest company to join the VIPAR Heavy Duty network of distributors as a stockholder. Established in 1980, Missouri Great Dane operates out of its headquarters in Benton, Missouri, and from a St. Louis branch that opened in 1993. Missouri Great Dane serves a customer base of fleets, independent service facilities, municipalities, owner-operators and farmers in the greater St. Louis area, southeast Missouri and southern Illinois.
 Patrick Hébert |
CRP Automotive Names Patrick Hébert as Canadian National Sales Manager
CRP Automotive has named Patrick Hébert as its new Canadian national sales manager. In this role, Hébert will be responsible for the development of customer relations and customer service initiatives in the Canadian market, as well as the management of CRP Automotive’s Canadian sales team. Prior to joining CRP, Hébert was the general manager of B-Line Tire and Auto Supply. In this role, Hébert managed the day-to-day operations and sales for Eastern Canada. Prior to B-Line, Hébert spent four years with Schrader International (Sensata), where he worked as the regional sales manager for Eastern Canada. Hébert is a TIA-certified automotive tire service instructor and an AIA import parts specialist.
Power Automedia, Alloy Studios Develop Partnership With Custom Automotive Network
Power Automedia has announced its recent partnership with the Custom Automotive Network (CAN), previously known as the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA). Power Automedia’s video production division, Alloy Studios, will help CAN’s freshly overhauled brand take shape as its preferred video production partner. Along with Alloy Studios, the newly redesigned CAN will be promoted throughout Power Automedia’s magazines and via its live broadcast company, SpeedVideo. Power Automedia will also provide CAN members with promotional opportunities to better align their businesses with today’s digital-savvy consumerism.
 Rick Phillips |
Yokohama Tire Corporation’s Vice President of Sales Leaves Company
Longtime tire industry veteran and current vice president of sales Rick Phillips is leaving Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) after almost two decades to pursue other opportunities. Phillips joined Yokohama in 1999 and moved up the ranks from district sales manager to manager of commercial sales. He was promoted to director of commercial sales in 2011, followed by senior director of commercial and OTR sales in 2013, then vice president of sales in 2015.
King Engine Bearings Becomes an Official TecDoc Data Supplier
King Engine Bearings has announced it has become a certified data supplier to TecDoc—the European catalog of spare parts. Partnering with TecDoc gives King the opportunity to showcase its data in a user-friendly, accessible format. The TecDoc platform allows linking the company’s products to more engines and models and enables easier product identification. TecDoc is the global information system, which provides the spare-parts market with the relevant and detailed information to identify a needed part. TecDoc’s current base contains about 3 million items for cars and trucks.
Dake Celebrates 130 Years of American Manufacturing
In 1887, Dake opened its doors in Grand Haven, Michigan. Shortly thereafter, the company went on to manufacture more than 10,000 steam engines for the war effort. Over the years, Dake has expanded its product line to include bandsaws, cold saws, drill presses and a variety of other machine tools.
Aaron Zeigler Opens 50-Acre Powersports Dealership and Entertainment Facility in Kalamazoo
Aaron Zeigler recently celebrated the opening of the automotive group’s first multi-line powersports dealership and entertainment complex. Opening its doors March 6, Zeigler Motorsports is now located at 5001 Park Circle Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49048. The 50-acre facility features a 30-ft. mountain and waterfall, birch trees, a 300-sq.-ft. video wall, 36 motorcycles suspended from the ceiling, and a Tap House Restaurant & Bar. It also includes an indoor service write-up area and a 150-person training and development center. Dream Traxx developed the dealer’s three on-site tracks, which span more than four miles. These include a 1.3-mile motocross track, a side-by-side track with natural obstacles and an additional junior track. In addition to the attractions and entertainment features, Zeigler emphasized the one-stop-shop aspect of the complex by designating 85,000 sq. ft. for sales and service—including 24 large indoor service lanes, plus an additional 400,000 sq. ft for on-site storage. The storage facility features an in/out service that allows clients to store their vehicles on-site and use them on the tracks without a trailer. Zeigler Automotive Group plans to hold an official grand-opening event for the new dealership in the near future.
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